St. Landry Parish sheriff focuses on crime prevention

As Sheriff of St. Landry Parish, I would like to discuss an issue close to each of us - crime prevention. Our office is committed to making our neighborhoods a safer place to live. By doing so, we will improve the quality of life for individuals and families, both young and old. It is imperative that we seek progress to reduce the negative influences that crime has on our children and to help safeguard the elderly.

As a result, in the past year, this office has worked extremely hard to make significant improvements in our parish. Through community-based programs and an emphasis on professionalism, we hope to reduce the number of non-related crimes, thefts, incidents of domestic violence and other disturbances.

Examples of our plans and objectives include:

» providing officers with the resources necessary to improve preparedness and response capabilities.

» increasing drug awareness through educational programs and services that will give individuals a fighting chance to lead more productive lives.

We hope to see fewer incidents of spousal and child abuse by further developing opportunities for law enforcement to work more closely with shelters and local organizations to provide counseling.

Bobby Guidroz

Sheriff, St. Landry Parish

Background checks could keep guns out of wrong hands

The topic of gun control has been the cause of much debate and concern. Our own Congressman John Fleming has stated, "The best approach to addressing gun violence is to promote a respect for human dignity and life within our families, schools, and neighborhoods"»"

Louisiana is called the "Sportsman's Paradise" because of hunting and fishing. During hunting season, some sportsmen may take their kids with them. These individuals have taught their children to understand and respect guns and the lethal power they possess. However, in the instances of criminals and the mentally ill possessing guns, this is not the case.

Fleming stated, "Criminals, not guns, are the root cause of gun crime in America."

A universal background check would further help to safeguard our families by making sure that anyone purchasing a gun is legally eligible by preventing persons convicted of a felony, a violent crime, and the mentally ill from purchasing a gun. Also, federally licensed firearm dealers would be required to record each transaction which would aid law enforcement in tracing guns involved in crimes.

Congressman Fleming, if there is a chance that the support of this legislation will make it harder for guns to get into the hands of criminals and the mentally ill, thereby possibly saving just one life, then this is a bill worth supporting.

Mozella Bell

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Email this article

St. Landry Parish sheriff focuses on crime prevention

As Sheriff of St. Landry Parish, I would like to discuss an issue close to each of us - crime prevention. Our office is committed to making our neighborhoods a safer place to live. By doing so, we